L5R - Unity - Chapter 1 - Winter Solstice

[Raganui Minamoto]

"... why do I feel like this is going to cause a headache." He mutters, before carefully putting a hand up on Taniko's shoulder. "Perhaps you should allow them to explain before any more trouble seems to happen and you lose more of the wall?"

Void Point spent for 1 rank of Courtier
Awareness/Courtier - 4k3
Total: 59  

[Plainsfox]

The Kraken nodded. "I told Hiruma-san that it was the order of my Champion that we seek out friends and allies. Hiruma-san then informed me that his clan had no use for temporary friends and allies and that I should then fight at a wall. Before I could say anything else, he struck me and the fight happened as described."


OOC:
Awareness/Sincerity 4k3
Raises called: 0
Results:13  

[Paidi tou Selini]

"Aiiiya..." she sighed, rubbing her temple. "I wouldn't balk at an actual challenge, not... whatever this is. But fine, you want a race? I accept, and as the challenged party it is my right to declare the terms. How about an actual race. No need for any judges, no need to impose upon hapless bystanders, simply the first to pass through the castle gates is the winner."

She turned to Bakin and bowed. "I apologize for the interruption. I'll have to show my gratitude for the advice and stories another time. I trust Shosuro-san can help see to things from here?"


[Vitals
Void Points: 2/3
Wounds: 0/10 (Healthy)
Attack Stance, ATN 20]  

[Rain Yupa]

@ Gendo:

"I..." Taniko would start in response to Gendo's suggestion, but finally seem to untense and she would sigh. "... fine. Gendo-san, you make a good point. But only because of the Jojo reference."

"Ah, Taniko-san. I see you made a new..." the Kuni would say, eyeing Gendo, but pausing. "... friend."

"Okay, what the ********? Spill it now," Taniko would say, crossing her arms over her chest.

"It seems your brother-in-law got in a scuffle with a Kraken. A different one. But he brought fists to a bokken fight, and got brained accordingly," Sanjiro explained.

"... what?" She would turn and give a momentary sideways glare to Gendo, before turning back to her clanmates, squatting down and resting her arms on her knees. "Why would the Kraken come here to assault the Crab? That doesn't make any sense."

"Well... my apologies, Taniko-san. I did bring the other Himura here, since he was looking to network with the Crab. And, er... Shigemasa-san did throw the first blow." Denbe explained.

Taniko would tilt her head. "... huh. Well, I believe it. He's always been a bit brash, even when he was still Scorpion. But... why did that other Kraken come here with a bokken? Something must have set Shige-kun off. Maybe he was looking for a fight?"

"I did not see Himura-san carrying a bokken... but I cannot discount the possibility that I failed to notice it, especially if he was concealing it. But I'm not sure how he would have come of such a weapon..." Denbe responded, once more giving Gendo a concerned look.

--------------------

@ Naohiko:

As a reminder, you normally cannot reroll such checks unless circumstances change. However, I'm willing to make an exception and take your newer result this one time.

Much better on his Investigation roll, 22 vs your 13.

"I'm afraid I don't know the Crab delegation well enough to know their characters and behaviors, but that doesn't seem to add up. Is it because you showed up with a weapon, and Himura-san thought you were an aggressor? Perhaps the bokken was dropped during the initial blow, and your mystery assailant picked it up and attacked him in your defense."

Benjiro would pause only long enough to reach into his saya and pull out a folder paper, unfolding it twice before handing the document to Naohiko. It was the dojo reservation form that he had used to reserve his spar with Ichi.

"It appears you were likely in possession of the weapon. Is it possible that things did not go well and you were trying to find someone to vent against?"

--------------------

@ Kaichiyo:

"Hai, that's fine. Thank you for your company up to this point," Bakin would say in response to Kaichiyo.

"Wha- a race? You cheap-a**... fine, I accept your terms! A race it is! Anything to show the world how inferior you are to me!" Satoko proudly proclaims. "I'm ready to go right now if you are!"

Satoko is tensing as if she is expecting for the race to start within the store itself, perhaps even willing to barrel down anyone else in her way! However, Bakin already seems to sense this and steps to the side, and gestures for Kyouya to do the same.

Kaichiyo, your response?  

[Plainsfox]

Naohiko would look at the document and then look at the Daidoji. "Firstly, from my movements of the day, I have witnesses that can give testimony that I did not take a bokken from the sparring dojo. Secondly, I can also furnish witnesses that I did not carry a bokken. Thirdly, if who I saw was not Toku Seiichi, then who was it? A collaborator with the sorcerer who tried to kill Himura-hime? Has the sorcerer been properly disposed of?" The Kraken yojimbo would let that hang in the air for a little bit before continuing. "And finally, I do not like what you're inferring. If you continue upon this course, I will defend my honor."

OOC:
Awareness/courtier 5k3
Reason: to point out the testimony behind his innocence
Raises: 1 to make sure the potential shapechanger shenanigans are presented not as an affront to Crane honor, but a legitimate problem
Results:18-5=13  

[Rain Yupa]

@ Naohiko:

The Daidoji guard in the room would shift, her armor clinking as she took an aggressive stance, but Benjiro would lift his hand, causing her to revert to her defensive stance.

Benjiro spends a void point on his Sincerity roll and gets a 38 vs your 13 Courtier.

"I think you have entirely the wrong idea. I'm sure things run differently in the Colonies, but do you know how guardsmen like me get promotions in peacetime? It's not easy. We have to be nominated to manage a fairly important duty - such as ensuring the protection of a Great Clan, or collection of Minor Clans during Winter Court - and make sure no one gets hurt. We get a temporary boost of status, and whether we get to keep the position depends on our success or failure."

"Now, I'm already under a lot of scrutiny already because this... person of interest decided to make an attempt at one of my charges' lives. From my understanding, she was unhurt, which is the only reason I got to keep my position. However, a good friend of mine lost his betrothed because of this person of interest when he took her life, face, and identity to escape. You might not care about the lives of the Crane, but we sure as hell do. So please, be respectful."

"My senpai earned his rank last year with the same duty that I now have, and if I lose this rank bestowed upon me, I will likely end up a mere guardsmen for the rest of my life. I want nothing more than for you, your princess, and everyone else to remain safe, because it serves my interests for you to remain safe - I've even made sure several Daidoji kept a closer eye on your princess, in case she was endangered again. I was pretty confident about your story, until you rerolled your Sincerity check and happened to get a much lower number, despite the fact that you're normally not allowed to reroll such checks your tone shifted as if you were uncertain about or hiding something. I'm just trying to get to the bottom of what actually happened, so I can do what I can to diffuse the situation."

"A little honesty will go a long way here, more than threats. Your cooperation would be GREATLY appreciated, Himura-san. But, if possible, more than anything else, it would behoove you to show a little more tact than make thinly veiled accusations that someone declared Sacrosanct by both the previous and current Emperors might be in league with the Shadowlands, especially with an Otomo about. I'm not sure if you've ever had any run-ins with an Imperial, but they would jump at the opportunity to have your life ended and sanctions placed against your Clan - which would be even more likely if anyone of your clan had ill dealings with any Otomo in the past."

"So please - from one honorable man to another - take a moment gather yourself, and let's get to the bottom of this. You said you had witnesses; don't just flaunt it like a wealthy lord boasts the quantities of their vaults, actually give me names and what they can corroborate in your story. It would do both of us a great deal of good right now."

Benjiro would sigh as he finished his lecture-y rant. He would wait for Naohiko's response, but the Daidoji in the room would start politely clapping after the speech. Benjiro would groan and bring both hands to his face.

There would be some talking outside of the chamber, as if someone was conversing with the Daidoji guard on the other side of the door, though it would be polite enough conversation and not discernible.  

[Raganui Minamoto]

"I think he was heading out to spar with someone this morning, but I don't know details. I apologize for the trouble caused to you all." He bows low to the group. "If I can in some way make any progress of making it up to you, please let me know."  

[Plainsfox]

"I just assumed since you had that" Naohiko would point to the sign in sheet. " You would know that I was with Usagi Ichi and the Yoritomo siblings. Natsuki and Shohei. They will testify that I took no bokken from the dojo, nor did I conceal one. Furthermore, there is Morito Denbe, who will testify that I had no bokken and I did not start the fight. What other testimony do you require?"  

[Rain Yupa]

@ Gendo:

"That's a kind offer, Kraken-san. We may take you up on that offer," the Kuni said flatly. "We could always use more bodies on the Wall."

As if something triggered in his unconscious mind, the fallen Crab's eyes opened and he bolted upward as if to stand, but lost his balance and stumbled.

"Whoa, easy," the other Crab man would say, moving to catch his dazed comrade with surprising alacrity.

"G'uh... what happened?" the Hiruma would say, reaching up to press his hand against his head injury.

"Your scuffle ended badly," the Kuni would respond. "This fellow is accepting responsibility for his comrade's aggressive actions. A truer reflection of his Clan, I thi-

Suddenly, Taniko punched the Hiruma in the crown of his head with a loud THUD.

"Ow!"

"Taniko!"

"You jerk! You started another fight?! And trashed my room?! I should use Kagae's sword on you, you a**!" Taniko exclaimed, hands on her hips as she leaned over the man.

"He... he insulted-

"You're a Crab now, Shige-san! Our Clan gets insulted all the time! You're not going to make it if you can't get that through your skull!"

Gritting his teeth, Shigemasa said nothing and averted his gaze.

"Where's your partner in crime, anyways?" Taniko would say, standing tall and looking around.

"The Daidoji took him," Denbe would explain. "I thought he would try to defend his actions here, but relenting like he did pretty much confesses his guilt, at least in regards to using excessive force against an unarmed opponent. The Crane probably won't take too kindly to his brawling, even if it was in self defense."

"Yare yare..." Taniko started. "One of us should probably go bail him out of there."

"You can't! He insul-

"Quiet! Speaking privileges revoked! Sanjiro, Kunitaro, what do you think?"

"Iiii dunno. I'm not sure if the Kraken like accruing favors so quickly," the Kuni named Sanjiro would say.

"I think... I think we should help him out..." the other man, named Kunitaro, would respond, albeit meekly.

"I suppose I should ask you too," Taniko would say, turning to Gendo. "Gendo-san, what do you think we should do about your wayward clanmate?"

--------------------

@ Naohiko:

"I did not know of the Yoritomo you mention," he would say, eyes looking to the sheet. Their names were absent, as they did kind of drop in uninvited. "Good to know, of course. Since the Mantis have a soft spot for Minor Clans, I have no doubt they'd be willing to cooperate and corroborate your side of the story. Thank you, that was very helpful."

"Excuse me, Benjiro-san?" the other Daidoji would call from outside the room.

Turning, he would face the door and respond, "Enter."

The door would slide open, and the Daidoji would bow her head politely. "My apologies. Moshi-san here said she had heard of Himura-san's detention, and wished to provide counsel and possible assistance." Stepping out of the way to provide room, she would allow Moshi Ruri to step into the doorway, who bowed politely. Upon lifting her head, she would make it a point to meet Naohiko's gaze, before turning to Benjiro.

"Your connections with the Mantis are well-formed indeed, Himura-san," he'd say, before addressing Ruri. "Good afternoon, Moshi-san. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Good afternoon, Daidoji-san. I heard what happened between Naohiko and that Crab. I think I may be of assistance resolving matters, and hopefully negotiate a peaceful conclusion to the matter. However, I request to speak to Naohiko-san first." She would pause, and smile slightly. "In private."

"I have to say that your arrival is... timely..." Benjiro would say, which caused Moshi to smile wider. "However... it would suit everyone's needs if a peaceful resolution was achieved. His, mine, even Kioko-hime's. I will grant you a brief counsel." He would say, before turning to his fellow Crane. "Let's go find the Yoritomo siblings Himura-san mentioned and take their testimony."

Ruri's smile would vanish. "I just came from where they were, and will gladly guide you to them. But I would like to talk to Naohiko before doing so."

Naohiko, you have a chance to speak up now. Do you wish to say anything?  

[Raganui Minamoto]

"I'd actually like to know what happened, fully. Naohiko-san is not normally one to insult others or rash action. Especially not confrontation like this. Normally prefers to have an honorable duel to settle matters that cannot just be talked out." Gendo frowns, then sighs. "I will have to find him either way, and would not ask to impose on you all in dealing with this, though they may wish to speak with those here as well."

Shrugging lightly, he just idly plucked at the ripped shoulder of his kimono, checking the damage. Someone was going to need to stitch that back up. "In either case, I would not be amiss to speaking with you more later, Taniko-san. Your story on the way here was entertaining and you definitely share a good relation with your companions, from what I have seen."  

[Plainsfox]

The Kraken didn't like depending on two people who had attempted to have him beaten up, but there you are. He also didn't expect Moshi Ruri to show up. It might throw off his plans for later...


However, Naohiko would just give Ruri a questioning eye as he watched things go down.  

[Paidi tou Selini]

"Che. Maybe compared to someone as high-maintenance as you. It's a pain, but I won't lose!" she responded resolutely, stepping away from the gathered group and stretching her legs, giving two little bounces on the balls of her feet, and finally taking a 'runner ready' position as she waited for Satoko to stand beside her.

"On one then? Five." a breath.

"Four." A shuffle.

"Three." Stillness.

"Two." Muscles coiled and ready to-

"One." -spring!


[Vitals
Void Points: 2/3
Wounds: 0/10 (Healthy)
Attack Stance, ATN 20]  

[Rain Yupa]

@ Gendo:

Taniko would sigh. "You have a point, Himura-san," she would say, turning towards her room. "I do have some rebuilding to do now."

"The Crane will probably send delegates shortly to sort out your accommodations and relocate you," the Kuni would say.

"But I already have a perfectly good room. Crab do not yield! I can rebuild. I can make it tougher, stronger, better." Taniko would hold a clenched fist before her in determination.

"The Crane maaaay not appreciate you rebuilding their castle, Taniko-san..."

"Well, they should have built it better in the first place!" she would proclaim, a twinkle in her eye." Turning to Gendo, she'd say, "I'll talk to you some other time. I have work to do. Sorry I couldn't show you my statue."

"I know my way around pretty well. I think I know where Naohiko is. I will escort you there, Gendo-san," Denbe would offer.

Gendo, are you allowing Denbe to guide you, or do you want to do so alone, or take some other action?

--------------------

@ Naohiko:

"Well... Himura-san does not appear to have any objections, so I will let you be. We will let you be, but only for a few minutes. Please see us when you are completed. We will be right outside." Benjiro would bow his head politely, and the two Daidoji would exit as Ruri entered, the door being closed behind her.

She would approach the table on the other side and sit across from Naohiko. Straightening her kimono for a second, she would lift her head. "Mi-kun is so helpful sometimes~ I knew if he followed that girl you didn't want to tell me about long enough, your paths would cross again." She would smile wide. "Though this is not what I had in mind. It was how I found out so fast. Mi-kun let me know as soon as he could." Ruri's hair would begin to wave as if in a light breeze, despite Naohiko not feeling any air flow.

"However, I was not alone at the time... I was having tea with Natsumi at the time. She offered me a substantial bribe to assist in having you get punished by the Crane for your actions." She would reach into her obi and pull out a tiny pouch which jingled with coinage, before resting it on the table. "Let's make sure we understand one another, Naohiko-san. I love lucre. I may not look it, but I'm a bit anxious right now thinking about returning this to Natsumi and saying 'no'. But there is something I do love more than money."

Though her smile had started to wane, it returned. "Secrets."

She would prod her coin bag, moving it back and forth across the table. "Though she did not say so, Natsumi is completely willing to orchestrate responses to this to be in your detriment, Naohiko-san. I can stall her long enough for it to be resolved without her interference, and it will cost us this happy little bag of shineys, but you need to make it worth my while. I need you to tell me something big. I can smell the scoop, there's something I can just sense that you Kraken may be mixed up in, and I need to know. I need to get this information before anyone else. Won't you consider my offer, Naohiko-kuuunnn~" she would say, her voice sweetening as she gave an almost sultry look into Naohiko's eyes.

--------------------

@ Kaichiyo:

Satoko would scoff, and get into position next to Kaichiyo. "Prepare to eat my snowdust, colonial wanna-be!"

Quote:

"On one then? Five."
"Four."
"Three."
"Two."

"W-wait!" the shopkeep would call out before the race would start. "Y-yoritomo-sama, y-your pillow books you ordered. You paid for them already, please don't leave without them!"

Reddening, Satoko would whirl around. "I'm... those must be for someone else! That's not why I'm in here. In fact, I've never been in this shop before in my life. What even is this shop, anyways?! I was only in here to get directions!" Satoko would start to exclaim.

Kaichiyo, do you use this opportunity for a head start?  

[Plainsfox]

Naohiko looked into the priestess's eyes and was very glad Ruri was not pushing things as far as she could have. Had the Mantis loosened her kimono a little instead of straightened it, the lech might have started revealing more of what Ruri wanted. As it stands, Naohiko had an idea.

"We don't really have secrets, not as such you'd find desirable. Our goals are simple. Find and make friends." The Kraken sighed. "On the matter of shinies, I had intended to meet with you later, buy some of that tea you like, and broach the prospect of trading these little brown gems we mine. We've got more than fish. to offer."